For the second time this season, the Atlanta Braves designated veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco for assignment. The aging starter has been used out of the bullpen this season and tossed 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up a lone hit in his two appearances. Carrasco delivered all you could reasonably hope for, yet finds himself jettisoned from Atlanta's roster. For the Braves, this speaks to the team's incredible bullpen depth, which has been key for the franchise getting off to such a hot start.
The level of predictability from the back of the pen has been so stabilizing that fans have grown to expect the score to be held in place so the team locks down a win, or setting up another Atlanta comeback. Much of this is due to the dominance of the trio of Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez, and Raisel Iglesias. However, there have also been timely contributions from Tyler Kinley and the newly added Reynaldo Lopez.
For Carrasco, the solid performance will at least lend itself to earning a future opportunity this season. It builds on what has been a strong season for the starter with the Gwinnett Stripers and points to a bounce-back season.
This level of depth is one of the reasons why Atlanta sits at the top of the National League. Carrasco was relegated to make room for returning closer Iglesias, who missed the last week of the season. A move that is hard to argue against, regardless of Carrasco's performance.
Braves Parting Ways with Carlos Carrasco Points to Team's Incredible Bullpen Depth
For Carrasco, it will be interesting to watch how the veteran's 2026 season plays out after such a solid start. Whether it is with Atlanta or a new landing spot, it would be surprising not to see the right-hander earn another opportunity at the big league level. Being able to pitch at a high level in the minor leagues and come up and deliver 2.1 scoreless innings in a bullpen role is going to garner attention.
This is especially the case for a player with Carrasco's starting experience and past success. Atlanta won't be in a bind regardless of whether or not the starter remains with the team, as the franchise still has plenty of depth to lean on.
Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach are still expected to return in the first half of the 2026 season, and this is to say nothing of AJ Smith-Shawver, who could work his way back later in the year as well. Carrasco has done all you can reasonably expect and doesn't have a path to remaining on Atlanta's roster, no matter his performance.
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